Disappointing Products

Today I wanted to share a few products I've tried recently that didn't work out for me. I'm not always happy about doing this kind of post because most of these products are from brands that I really like as a whole and I feel kind of bad speaking negatively about some of their products. But at the same time, it's rare to like every single thing a brand puts out, so there will inevitably be certain products that don't work and others that do.

Also, I hope you don't take offense if you happen to disagree with me and really like one or more of the products mentioned in this post. Beauty products are such a personal thing and there are so many factors that could make something work out for one person and not another. So I'll be talking about all the reasons these products didn't work out for me personally, but they might just work out for you...you never know.

Let's take a look!

Garnier Whole Blends Legendary Olive Shampoo & Conditioner

I really liked the Garnier Whole Blends Honey Treasures line, so when I saw the new Legendary Olive version at Walgreens I couldn't wait to try it. It claims to nourish hair with no weigh-down, which is something I'm always looking for since I have dry hair that's fine in texture. I loved the fresh, herbal scent of this formula but unfortunately it wasn't moisturizing enough for me and my hair felt even drier after using it.

False Lashes Extreme Volume & Curl

I'm a big fan of Essence mascaras...they're super affordable and give great results (my favorites are the Lash Princess and Forbidden Volume False Lash Topcoat). So I was really excited to try the new False Lashes Extreme Volume & Curl formula. It ended up giving me decent length and volume but it ended up smudging underneath my eyes like crazy...and unfortunately, that's a total deal breaker.

Makeup Revolution #Slay Slogan Palette
I like Makeup Revolution's eyeshadow palettes as a whole but this one was disappointing for a few reasons. First, the pigmentation wasn't great overall (maybe that's why it comes with a mini eyeshadow primer) and second, the pans are so skinny, it's hard to get a brush into one color without getting it into the one next to it. If you're looking for similar shades, I would recommend the New-trals vs. Neutrals palette over this one (it's larger, full of warm shades, and only a few dollars more).

Makeup Revolution Strobe Highlighter in Holographic Lights
When I first saw these new strobing powders, I immediately thought of the Laura Mercier highlighters...these looked like they could be a dupe. Unfortunately, it lacks the buttery, creamy feel of the Laura Mercier version. This was super dry and hard to pick up with a brush. On my skin, it looked like a faint wash of white powder...no glow or shimmer to be had. I definitely prefer Makeup Revolution's new Skin Kiss highlighters over these...those are definitely worth checking out!

Pixi Beauty x ItsJudyTime It'sLipTime Palette
I'm not crazy about lip palettes in general because you can't really take them with you... once you apply your lipstick at home, you won't be able to touch it up while you're out unless you're willing to carry a large palette in your purse. But...I absolutely loved the colors in this palette so I was more than willing to give it a try. Unfortunately, the majority of the shades didn't really show up well on my lips (the bottom row is the most pigmented) and as you can see from the swatches, the rest of the colors look very similar to one another...especially once they're on. I also wasn't a fan of the thicker, waxier texture, and I prefer a smoother, glossier formula. I do think it's awesome that Pixi decided to collaborate with some fellow bloggers and I love watching Judy's videos so it hurts to give this a negative review, but it just didn't work out for me.

Physicians Formula #InstaReady Multi-Finish Eyeshadow Palette
The cool pattern that initially drew me to this palette ended up being its downfall in my opinion. Several of the shades are arranged in narrow strips and it's close to impossible to get a brush into one without getting it into an adjacent color as well. I was also disappointed in the pigmentation...a few of the shades were soft and showed up well, but most were pretty sheer.

Wet n Wild PhotoFocus Foundation & Concealer and MegaGlo Makeup Stick in Conceal
I really wanted to like the new Wet n Wild Photofocus Foundation and Concealer! Unfortunately, they were much too drying for my already dry skin. They went on fine at first but shortly after they set I noticed that my fine lines were more noticeable and my skin looked dull. The concealer seemed to make my under eye area look drier and more lined as well and the foundation oxidized on me after an hour or two. I think these two could work for more oily skin types...if they worked for you I'd love to hear about it!

The MegaGlo Makeup Stick concealer felt too thick for my under-eye area and went on a little bit cakey. I prefer a thinner, smoother formula when it comes to concealers so I can't see myself using this one.

What products have you feeling disappointed lately? Have you tried any of the products I've talked about today? What are your thoughts?

19 comments

I saw some YouTuber's raving about the Wet and Wild foundation, so I gave it a try even though I prefer higher end foundations. I usually wear It Cosmetics CC cream, Estee Double Wear, Too Faced Born This Way, or Fiona Styles. I was really surprised how well the Wet and Wild worked for me. It's something I wear a few times a week. I'm 48, acne prone, but dry in winter. I just bought the Makeup Revolution Neutrals vs. Neu-trals pallet and I LOVE it!

I'm using that Essence mascara right now and while I LOVE the way it makes my lashes look...it really is one of the messiest mascaras I've ever used! I learned the hard way that I have to scrape off ALL the excess from the wand before I put it on. I'll keep using it for a while but what a bummer.

Yes! That's another thing I forgot to mention...it is really messy. It was weird too because Essence mascaras don't usually smudge on me. This one gave me raccoon eyes every time I wore it so I just gave up, haha.

I love these posts, thank you! Keeping it honest is always appreciated!

I have fair skin and my skin type is similar to yours. I bought the wet n' wild contour/bronzer stick in 805 (with very little experience in cream bronzing/contour) and it is AMAZING. What a blendable, fantastic formula! I recommend trying it out!-Abby

I LOVE these kinds of posts and I understand how they can be hard for you to write, especially since a lot of brands send you items for free. I would feel so uncomfortable if I were in your shoes because it's like saying, "thanks for the gift, by the way I hate it!" But this is one of the reasons I love your blog so much. I may not always agree with your feelings on a product, especially since we have vastly different skin types, but I do know that you're being genuine and honest when you review products. And I can use your reviews as a baseline for me, like if something is too dry for your skin I will probably like it because I'm oily. Keep up the great work!

Haha that's exactly how I feel!! But I just have to remind myself that it's not the same as getting a gift from a friend or family member...it's for business purposes. Still, I am always so grateful to companies for sending me products to try so it's hard to be negative. That being said, you guys are the reason I'm here so it would hurt us both if I weren't honest about my feelings on products. I would never want to compromise my honesty and integrity for free products. :)

Hey Jen! Thanks for this post. It's silly that you have to qualify your negative experiences with some products in case some readers take a difference of opinion as a personal attack. I'm glad it didn't stop you from giving your honest and fair review.

That said, can I say I told you so about the MUR Slogan palette? ;-) I'm a fan of the brand (they put out some good stuff although they are manufactured in PROC but that's what you get for the price point) but the Slogan palettes were kind of a dud. -- Christina D.

You would definitely be surprised how some people will take it personally when bloggers say they don't like something and it's their holy grail product. But of course, it doesn't stop me from sharing my honest thoughts anyway! :) And yes, you totally called it on that Slay palette! Not impressed at all.

Hi Jen such a fan but just wondering what under eye concealer to use for my skin type because it's quite its dry under my eyes I currently use the too faced one but I had to add a bit of like thinner to it, this sounds strange but it worked so do u have any recommendations thanks x.

Hi there! I have dry skin too, so I feel your pain! I'm a huge fan of the Tarte Shape Tape but I know it's very hard to find at the moment. Most of my other favorites are from the drugstore. Maybelline's Fit Me is an amazing concealer and not drying at all. I also love the new Hydro Boost stick concealer from Neutrogena. It has hyaluronic acid and doesn't cake up or look dry at all! :)

I was looking at that PF eyeshadow strip because I had a great coupon and xtra bucks. I'm glad I saw your review. So dissapointing. They used to make these eyeshadow duos that were amazing. I'm still using one when I travel. So pigmented and the perfect nude brown and cream.

You know what? I love that Essence Lash Princess mascara, but THAT one smudges under my lower lids every. darn. time. I actually have to use a waterproof mascara on my lower lashes. Annoying. But I was wondering about this new False Lash product. I just purchased that WnW foundation and I love it. I wish it had worked for you; the finish is really smooth. I have dry, sensitive, fair, AND textured skin. I had to give away the Neutrogena HydroBoost tint, in fact, because the lightest shade was still too warm on me and it felt really dry even with tons of moisturizer and primer. It's like my dry skin was eating the product, ha. My fine lines are more like allover texture but I can't use most anti-wrinkle products because they irritate me like nobody's business even if used sparingly. Oh well. People still say I don't look 40. Yet. LOL. I just emphasize lashes and lips and somehow that comes off as youth, I guess. ;) - CarrieM18 (nowebsite)

I'm so glad to find someone else who was not a fan of the Wet n Wild Photo Focus! I tried two different shades of the foundation, tried applying w/ a brush then tried a beautyblender, and I had the same problems...dry and patchy! I was so disappointed, because I have watched several youtubers test it and it looked amazing on them, and for that price! But alas, the dry skin strikes again! (btw, i am new to your blog, and really enjoy it!)

Great reviews! I'm a huge fan of Makeup Revolution, but I agree the SLAY palette seems like a dud. I have about 10 of their eyeshadow palettes and love them all, but my fave is New-trails vs Neutrals. *I have the Makeup Revolution Strobe Highlighter in Holographic Lights and Golden Lights and LOVE them. There is a hard over-spray on them, but once you rub it off they are very soft and shiny - esp. the holographic Lights- it's insanely bright and has pink, green and gold shifts.